Rio Ferdinand has come to the defence of Manchester United's captain Bruno Fernandes, hitting back at Roy Keane's scathing remarks by bringing up a past incident that showcased Keane's "poisonous tongue". Irishman Keane, who has become known for his sharp criticism in recent years, has frequently taken aim at Fernandes.
Despite the Portugal international's contribution of eight goals and nine assists, United's dismal form has seen them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League. The former United captain didn't hold back in his assessment of Fernandes' leadership qualities following a narrow 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town last month, engaging in a fiery debate with fellow pundit Ian Wright on the Stick to Football podcast. Keane's critique was laced with expletives as he questioned Fernandes' fighting spirit.
Keane vented his frustration: "People pretend to be closing people down. Talent is not enough. Bruno is a talented player, but talent is not enough. It's not enough, Wrighty. Bruno is not a fighter. You want someone going, 'lads, are you with me? Are you with me?'" Wright countered, suggesting that perhaps Fernandes isn't the type of captain Keane envisions, but he's still making a significant impact: "Maybe he's not that captain Roy. But what he's doing is saving you, playing that pass."
Keane, however, remained unconvinced, retorting sharply: "What's he saving? What's he saving, 2-2 at Everton?" The fiery exchange pulled Ferdinand into the fray, who reminisced about encounters with Keane alongside fellow ex-United cohort Andy Cole on his 'Rio Ferdinand Presents' podcast. Ferdinand initiated the chat with Cole by probing whether he concurred with Keane's scathing lines.
In response, United's treble legend said: "Different generations, like I said. The way Roy used to lead back then, if Roy was playing now, he couldn't lead his team." Ferdinand, who spent three seasons playing with Keane, agreed with Cole's verdict that Keane's headstrong approach would flop in today's football culture. He recounted a stark episode inflicted by the fearsome midfielder during a training session.
Reflecting on Keane's impact, Ferdinand offered a telling insight: "I think players today would just shut down with someone like Roy. I saw Roy, even with players that weren't in the first team, almost end their careers before it started with some of the things he said. His tongue was poisonous at times.
"You'd have to step back and laugh, by yourself, and then come out and say 'come on man, that's a bit out of order'. I remember Michael Stewart, a young kid at the time, a nice guy, talented Scottish footballer, everyone was saying he'll be the next one that comes through.
"I remember Roy said to him one day: 'In a couple years, do you know where you're gonna be? You're gonna be a pub team player'. He's looking at Roy Keane, his hero probably, and Roy has just destroyed him. I saw the life draining out of his body." Keane is widely revered as United's most successful captain, with an impressive haul that includes four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League during his time as skipper.
Fernandes, on the other hand, has emerged as United's standout player during what many consider to be their bleakest period this century, even though his demeanour on the field has occasionally triggered criticism. Recently, however, Fernandes' form has been exceptional, epitomised by a goal and two assists in Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League triumph at Leicester.
Reflecting on Keane's recent appraisal after the match, he acknowledged the critique but remained calm. "It's the way he thinks about me as a player, as a captain. I have to respect that," Fernandes stated to Sky Sports. "I try to do the things in my own way to be not the best captain but person and team-mate as I can. I do it every day. I try to be an example in everything I do in the training sessions, on the pitch.
"But obviously, not everyone will like it, not everyone will think in the same way, and I respect every opinion of everyone. I have to accept there is a lot of margin for improvement in my game and my leadership."